Argentina Face Post-Messi Test as Scaloni, Ageing Stars’ Futures Hang in Balance

Argentina are entering a new era after Lionel Messi’s international retirement, with uncertainty surrounding coach Lionel Scaloni and several senior players ahead of the 2028 Copa America and 2030 World Cup.

Messi formally vacated Argentina’s iconic number 10 shirt on Monday, ending a 21-year international career that transformed from years of disappointment into one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history.

The 39-year-old leaves after helping Argentina win three major trophies, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but his departure comes at a difficult time for the national team. Only two of the 17 players who featured in Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final defeat by Spain will still be under 30 when the next World Cup begins in 2030.

Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, 38, has already retired from international football following the defeat, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has indicated that he could also walk away. Midfielder Leandro Paredes, 32, is another player whose international future is uncertain after receiving a 10-match FIFA suspension for his involvement in an incident with Spain players after the final.

“If he (Messi) isn’t there, it will be hard for everything to keep working the way it used to,” Paredes told Argentine television channel TN.

Scaloni Future Uncertain

The biggest question may be whether Lionel Scaloni remains in charge as Argentina begin rebuilding without Messi.

Scaloni took over in 2018 and ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major international trophy by guiding the team to the 2021 Copa America title. He subsequently led the Albiceleste to another Copa America triumph and the 2022 World Cup, establishing what became known in Argentina as the “Scaloneta”.

His current contract runs until December, although he had reportedly agreed an extension through 2030 before the World Cup. Following the disappointing final performance, however, Scaloni appeared to leave his future open.

“I already have an idea of what I want to do,” he said after the defeat. “I’m going to honour my contract, and then we’ll see. I need to think.”

New Stars Ready to Step Up

Despite the uncertainty, Argentina still possess a strong core capable of challenging for major honours.

Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero have established themselves as the preferred central defensive partnership, while Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister remain key figures in midfield.

Messi’s departure could also create more opportunities in attack for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Alvarez, in particular, will be expected to improve his international scoring record after registering 15 goals in 59 appearances.

The next World Cup will be primarily staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, but Argentina will host one match as one of three South American nations selected to stage games. The arrangement also means Argentina will receive automatic qualification.

Before then, their immediate target will be the 2028 Copa America, where they will attempt to win the tournament for a third consecutive time.

Argentina’s Next Generation

Messi has expressed confidence that Argentina have enough young talent to maintain their status among the world’s leading football nations.

“I’ve given it my all. I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” he said while announcing his retirement.

Among those expected to feature more prominently is Nico Paz, the talented Como midfielder who made two appearances at the World Cup. Giuliano Simeone, son of former Argentina star Diego Simeone, has also attracted attention after impressing as a substitute in the semi-final victory over England.

Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono, meanwhile, has already earned four international caps at just 19 despite missing the World Cup squad.

Argentina’s Under-20 team also offered encouragement for the future, reaching the final of last year’s Under-20 World Cup in Chile before losing to Morocco.

The Argentine Football Association is reportedly considering a farewell match for Messi, who leaves as the country’s record goalscorer and appearance holder with 125 goals in 207 international matches.

Messi’s departure leaves an enormous gap in the Argentina team, but the emergence of a talented younger generation gives the reigning world champions hope of remaining among international football’s elite.